The State of the Art in Japanese Outerwear: Freewheelers and Co 2012-13 Collection!

[Ishmael]

The "Centinela".

http://freewheelers.co.jp/blog/archives/3811

 

[Sloan1874]

If I ever made it to Freewheeler, I have the feeling I would leave financially crippled, but very happy.

 

[Qinhan]

Just curious Sloan, would you actually wear a Centinela if you had one? What aspects of the jacket appeal to you?

 

[Sloan1874]

I would certainly wear one if I owned it! I might prefer it in brown, but I really like the military tunic front - I'm kind of T-shaped, so short jackets that accentuate the shoulders suit me - but the back and the corsetry on the sleeves and sides are really nice details. Some people aren't keen on form-fitting jackets, but I like ones that sit tight in. I'm a big fan of Aero's radjack, which is sort of similar, though it's a much more stripped-down look.

 

[Cole]

If I ever made it to Freewheeler, I have the feeling I would leave financially crippled, but very happy.

In my case it would financially crippled and close to divorce, but happy.

 

[Sloan1874]

I would love to see somebody in the UK/US have a go at Japanese-styled design but at an affordable, or do I mean sensible, price level. I've said it once, and I'll say it again, Alexander Leathers missed an opportunity to step into a potentially very lucrative gap, because people would queue up for it.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

I just got myself a vintage German heavy brown goatskin "kombi" (suit) in this style (double breasted V-oriented buttons), with the old big-thighed jodhpurs and everything. Late 1940s, according to the original purchaser. I wear the jacket around as a casual jacket for now, until I have enough money to get myself back on a motorcycle. It is

Just curious Sloan, would you actually wear a Centinela if you had one? What aspects of the jacket appeal to you?

 

[Sloan1874]

Sounds ace, any pics?

 

[Qinhan]

I would certainly wear one if I owned it! I might prefer it in brown, but I really like the military tunic front - I'm kind of T-shaped, so short jackets that accentuate the shoulders suit me - but the back and the corsetry on the sleeves and sides are really nice details. Some people aren't keen on form-fitting jackets, but I like ones that sit tight in. I'm a big fan of Aero's radjack, which is sort of similar, though it's a much more stripped-down look.

Fair enough. I'm not a fan of all the silver buttons or the epaulettes. It has a "rocketeer" look to it that I just couldn't see myself wearing. I'm definately with you on form-fitting jackets though.

 

[Sloan1874]

The black is a little severe, I'd prefer it in brown or cordovan.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

I've moved the jacket fastening buttons back to their original positions, so the look better now than in this photo.

Sounds ace, any pics?

 

[Sloan1874]

Fantastic! The patina is amazing. I think Julian Cope may have been a previous owner of those jodhpurs, though...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOAXAwmnxEA

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Ha! you could be right. Nice Irvin he's got there.[EDIT] the baroness grumbling beside me that "yes, he would never shut the f*** up about that ******ned flight jacket …"

Having worn these trousers, I can see why they would be perfect for riding. Very, very roomy in the hips. No chance of getting too tight when leaning forward.

 

[Sloan1874]

If you've ever read his memoir Head On, you'd think twice about wearing them, but it's a fantastic outfit.

 

[Ishmael]

Just waiting to see the FW Dust Bowl coat in Auburn. Saw one pic at the shop some time ago. Looked perfect.

 

[Sloan1874]

It's very nice, but also really like the collar shape on the Mulholland, it's very distinctive, very cool. But the jacket on the whole has those subtle extra details - the waist in particular - that makes Japanese clothing so desirable.

 

[Ishmael]

Darius tailored sack coat in deerskin.

http://item.rakuten.co.jp/americaya/1211002-ta/

 

[SLAB]

I am absolutely in love with that Mulholland; I inquired with Aero a couple of years ago to have it custom made by them but decided to save up for the Freewheelers version; still not there though...

 

[Ishmael]

SLAB and Sloan, I agree. The Mulholland is great. Really like the clean back and the collar. Slab, hope you reach your target soon! Black or brown?

 

[SLAB]

aiming for the brown one